Lessons Learned Wandering In The Desert

The end of summer is often marked by the arrival of September. Bright yellow buses are seen in many neighborhoods, taking away backyard activity and the roar of children laughing.

I was surprised how early the schools in our community began this year. Even some homeschooling families were sharing back to school adventures several weeks ago. In years past I would have felt an urgency to plan, organize, and begin lessons for my children. This year has been different.

For the first time since beginning homeschooling, I have had little planned. In years past I had curriculum decided by early summer, and carefully watched for the most frugal ways to purchase our books.

In recent weeks, I have witnessed my family emerge from a wasteland. Not literally, but it certainly felt like we had been wandering in the desert.

Moving to a new community last year was hard. Really hard. Weeks in a hotel room, months in a small rental home and seeking a new church and friends, resulted in complaints and grumbles. We had turned into grumbling Israelite’s!!

Despite my outward encouragement to find contentment in all situations, I secretly questioned if we were where the Lord wanted us to be. In every moment of question, I was reminded our needs were fully met. Our selfish desires and expectations had to be set aside.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. Psalm 23:1

In all honesty, I was so weary I questioned turning back. Maybe we were suppose to return to our old community. A place feeling familiar. I reached a point I knew I could go no further. I stood on the desert path facing a wall of tumbleweeds. The trail curved around. “I can go around just one more bend Lord, and then no further,” my heart cried. I felt Him carry me.

When we can go on no more, when we have lost all hope, He carries us. If we will raise our eyes and look up, He will show us hope in the most tangible ways.

He will lead us to a place of rest. Where we can kick off our shoes and walk in cool damp grass. We will be refreshed.

The Lord is faithful to meet our needs, and so much more. When we keep our eyes on Him, He will lead us to a land flowing with milk and honey.

There will be giants in the land. Our promise land has sat waiting for us. It is mostly unkept with fields overgrown and full of gophers.

Yet, a hardworking farmer at heart can see vast potential.

This is the week we have traditionally begun our homeschool year. We’re not in a hurry to enter the classroom. We’re busy learning how faithful our God is. I did catch some back to school sales and stocked up on crayons and a stack of spiral notebooks. Recently I even ordered our science curriculum.

I am taking time to thank God for His provision. As I settle my family in our new home, laughter erupts from our backyard. The children have put up a rope swing in a large tree and revel in their engineering genius.

Our academic schoolwork will begin soon. At the moment, we are learning lessons not found in school books. Lessons of faith, family, trust, and love. The most important lessons of all!

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6